Advanced Benefit Strategies of Virginia, LLC was started in September 2009 by Gregg Kennerly and Andrea Eggleston, two benefits veterans who saw a need for more advanced benefit plan designs and technology utilization in the Virginia market. Since the company was formed, we have grown steadily, and saved our clients cumulatively millions of dollars with our advanced and proprietary strategies.

We are leaders in the integration of HR and Employee benefits by providing access to our on-line HR Department, HR360, to all clients. As the huge impact of Health Care Reform (ACA) unfolds, our expertise and resources in compliance strategies continue to put us ahead of our competitors in keeping our clients in compliance and well positioned to deal with the future under the ACA.

Although we work with businesses of all sizes, our efforts have focused on bringing large company strategies and technology down to the small to medium size business market. We’ve pioneered the use of cash flow vehicles such as Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRA) and consumer driven solutions linked to Health Savings Accounts (HSA). The Principals of ABS sold and implemented the first HSA plans in Virginia in early 2004. Our experience and knowledge of how these programs can be used to lower premiums and increase flexibility is just one example of how we provide innovative solutions for our clients.

Andrea Eggleston, RN, CHRS

Principal

Andrea is a founding member of the firm and has a diverse background to bring to her role as a benefits consultant. She started her career in the employee benefits industry in 1997, managing the benefits business of a large agency in Williamsburg, VA. In 2002, she joined Rogers Benefit Group (RBG) as the Sales Representative for Virginia and Northeast North Carolina. Andrea represented national carriers such as Aetna, Principal and MetLife. She earned numerous sales awards and a reputation as an expert in medical plan design, strategy and implementation. Custom employee communications and building understanding with employee groups is an area of special expertise for Andrea.

Andrea is a Registered Nurse and holds a B.S. Degree in Nursing from The Medical College of Virginia, as well as the Certified Healthcare Reform Specialist (CHRS) designation. Her experience as an RN has proven valuable. Andrea’s understanding of the medical provider, insurance carrier and brokerage components of the benefits business gives her a unique perspective in helping her clients achieve superior results

Gregg Kennerly, CHRS, MHP, HIA

Principal

Gregg has more than 25 years of experience in employee benefits. He formerly served as the Virginia Regional Manager for a national benefits brokerage and as Sales Manager for the $500 million Los Angeles benefits office of Provident Life and Accident.

In his career, Gregg has developed specialized expertise in “consumer-driven” and high deductible health plans with HSA and HRA strategies, and sold the first HSA plans issued in Virginia. He is an expert in analyzing plan design data and has served as account executive for national accounts such as Coca-Cola Enterprises (West) and National Medical Enterprises, now (Tenet HealthCare). Gregg utilizes a strategic approach to establish goals based on each client’s unique culture and competitive environment.

Gregg is a graduate of Virginia Tech and holds the Certified Healthcare Reform Specialist (CHRS), Managed HealthCare Professional (MHP) and Health Insurance Associate (HIA) professional designations. He has written many articles, spoken at seminars, and been a guest expert on talk radio and at industry gatherings.

Karen Bolstad

Senior Operations Director

Karen joined Advanced Benefit Strategies in April 2013 as our lead associate for Client Service and is responsible for our IT interface with clients and insurance carriers. Karen has an extensive and successful background in HR, Accounting and IT management for a number of large companies. Her experience, knowledge and responsiveness make her an important addition to our team and key to our strategy of providing a wide array of professional HR and benefits solutions to our clients.

Karen holds a Virginia Life and Health insurance license, and has held a PHR (Professional in Human Resources) designation and is currently pursuing re-certification.

Carol Watson

Senior Account Executive

Carol is a Senior Account Executive in our client service department. Carol joins us after a long and successful career with Optima Health. Carol brings extensive experience in plan underwriting, service, billing and enrollment. Personal client service is the part of her position she enjoys the most. She is knowledgeable, personable and prides herself on having excellent rapport with her clients. In her time away from work, Carol enjoys playing with her grandchildren, camping, and helping local veterans navigate the VA Health System.

Contact Info

Advanced Benefit Strategies of Virginia, LLC

Main: 757-961-3319

Gregg Kennerly, Principal

Andrea Eggleston, Principal

Karen Bolstad, Senior Operations Director

Carol Watson, Senior Account Executive

Testimonials

As a business owner, I was getting tired of the same old 10 to 20% health insurance increase my agent was bringing me every year. The agent told me I should happy with it and that was the best he could do. Then I met Gregg Kennerly at ABS. He introduced innovative new ways to save my Company money. We saved 40% the first year with minimal employee pain. Sure it is a little more work at first, but well worth it. Thanks Gregg.